Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste spoke about the NT Live cinema presentations of Ivo van Hove’s revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre in London. The actors reflected on the challenges and benefits of filming theatre for the big screen while still valuing live performance.

Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who portrayed Joe and Kate Keller respectively in Ivo van Hove’s critically acclaimed West End revival of All My Sons, participated in an onstage conversation at Wyndham’s Theatre. The discussion centred around the forthcoming NT Live screenings of the production, bringing the play to audiences beyond the traditional theatre setting.

The actors candidly weighed the advantages and drawbacks of capturing theatrical productions for cinema, emphasising how film can extend theatre’s reach but cannot fully replicate the live experience. They also touched on how the play itself evolved during its West End run, reflecting changes in performance and staging.

Cranston shared surprising insights about his prior work with director Ivo van Hove on the film Network, highlighting their collaborative relationship that carried into the stage production. Meanwhile, Jean-Baptiste recounted a treasured moment with Anthony Hopkins, describing it as being “in the room where it happened”.

The conversation offers a rare glimpse into the process behind this high-profile revival’s transition from stage to screen. The full interview is available to watch, providing further detail on the actors’ perspectives and experiences.

All My Sons remains a classic of American theatre, and van Hove’s production has been widely praised for its contemporary resonance. The NT Live screenings seek to democratise access to such productions, offering cinema audiences worldwide the chance to witness West End theatre from their local venues.

This dialogue between Cranston and Jean-Baptiste highlights ongoing debates about the relationship between live theatre and recorded performance as the industry adapts to new modes of presentation.